Ghazal 136

One cannot put one's hand in the ring of those doubled tresses —

one cannot rely on your promise and the morning breeze.

Whatever effort I can, I will show in seeking you —

but this much is certain: one cannot change destiny.

The beloved's hem fell into our hand with a hundred hearts' blood —

one cannot let it go at the mockery of a rival.

Her cheek cannot be compared to the moon of the sky —

one cannot liken the beloved to any worthless thing.

When my tall cypress enters the dance of ecstasy —

what place for the garment of the soul, which cannot be made a robe?

A pure gaze alone can see the beloved's face,

for one cannot look into the mirror except with clarity.

The riddle of love is not within the scope of our learning —

one cannot solve this puzzle with such erroneous thinking.

Jealousy kills me, for you are the world's beloved — but

one cannot quarrel with God's creation day and night.

What can I say? The delicacy of your gentle nature

is such that one cannot even whisper a prayer.

Nothing but your brow is the prayer-niche of Hafez's heart —

obedience to anyone but you, in our creed, cannot be done.